Return to: Programs A-Z

Admission

The general requirements for admission are: completion of an undergraduate degree in music (or the equivalent); satisfactory score on the general section (verbal/quantitative/analytical) of the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test; and fulfillment of the general requirements for admission to The Graduate School, including the submission of three recommendations. Applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam. Normally, the minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 80 (internet-based) or 570 (paper-based). The minimum acceptable overall band score on the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam is 6.5. Applicants for the Master of Music degree in composition and opera theatre, whose TOEFL score is below the normal minimum will be considered on an individual basis for conditional admission. Such applicants must demonstrate exceptional abilities in the major area and evidence through past academic or professional activities strong promise for future professional success. Admission decisions are based upon the applicant’s total application portfolio, with particular weight given to the audition (for those applying in the area of opera theatre), composing experience (composition), or research/writing abilities (music history and music theory).

Learning Outcomes

Degree Requirements (32 hours)

Master of Music with concentrations in composition, conducting, jazz studies, music history, music theory, opera theatre, and piano pedagogy.

Prior to taking any graduate music study, all master’s students must take the Graduate Music Diagnostic Examination, and, early in their studies, complete all deficiencies and required courses resulting from the exam. Degree candidates must complete a prescribed program of 32 hours of graduate work and successfully pass an oral comprehensive examination. Reading proficiency in a least one foreign language (French, German, or Italian) is required for the Master of Music degree with concentrations in Music History  and Opera Theatre (see the respective degree requirements). This proficiency, which must be demonstrated prior to registration for thesis credit or the comprehensive exam, may be satisfied by earning a grade of “S” in a foreign language reading course (e.g., GERM 615 ) or by successfully completing an examination given by the appropriate USC foreign language faculty. In addition, candidates in conducting or performance must present one full recital, and those whose performance medium is an orchestral instrument must also perform a concerto; candidates in composition must complete a thesis consisting of a musical work of major proportions; candidates in music history or music theory must complete a written thesis; and candidates in piano pedagogy must present a solo recital or complete a written thesis. Specific program requirements are listed in the Academic Bulletin.